Pastor John Gray III has come to the defense of his friend, gospel singer Marvin Sapp, amid controversy surrounding a recent fundraising approach at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) annual summer convention. Sapp faced backlash after a viral video surfaced showing him instructing ushers to close the doors until the congregation raised $40,000 through contributions of $20 each. This unconventional solicitation method has sparked intense discussions regarding church fundraising tactics.

In an interview with TMZ, Gray emphasized his support for Sapp, acknowledging the immense pressure church leaders often encounter when it comes to fundraising. He remarked, “I’ve seen a lot worse donation requests in other churches,” suggesting that what some view as controversial fundraising might not be atypical within certain congregational contexts. Gray urged observers to consider the cultural and situational factors influencing Sapp’s approach instead of solely focusing on the optics of the viral video.

In the clip, Sapp encouraged the congregation and online viewers to contribute, sharing his own commitment to the campaign. However, criticism arose when he asked attendees to come forward to donate while instructing ushers to lock the doors, a move some deemed coercive. In response to the backlash, Sapp clarified on social media that his intent was to create a “safe, focused, and reverent environment” for those willing to give.

Gray underscored the diversity in fundraising practices across different churches, advocating for a compassionate understanding of the motivations behind such tactics. He suggested that while Sapp’s methods may seem alarming, they often derive from urgent operational needs within the church. Furthermore, Gray highlighted an alternative fundraising strategy his church employs, called the reverse offering method, where congregants receive monetary gifts to support their financial obligations, reflecting a church’s duty to care for its community.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding Sapp and his fundraising methods points to broader issues within religious communities. As financial contributions remain essential, the methods through which support is solicited warrant critical examination. Pastors like John Gray encourage a more empathetic perspective on the challenges church leaders face, reminding us of the importance of context and intention behind these fundraising appeals.